Member-only story
You’ve been a successful Financial Analyst with Fidelity Funds for 15 years with plenty of satisfied clients, so when Kelly Hanson in HR calls to request your presence in her office immediately, you’re caught off guard. You take a deep breath and scan the gunmetal gray office for signs of life. Everything is gray: chairs, carpeting, desks, doors, phones, and walls, nearly all your co-workers’ hair. Suddenly, you’re seeing red.
Susan a slightly overweight woman with a shock of curly red hair, Kelly’s Assistant, who’s been with the company for 20 years, regards you with a steely glance as you pass her by; it’s as if she has you marked for death. Why are Assistants always the first to know?
Noticeably shaken, you make a beeline for Kelly’s office, all eyes on you. Corporate trials and tribulations. You tentatively knock on her door. She waves you in urgently. “Have a seat, Simon. I have some news that might sting a bit.”
Reluctantly, you sink into one of the faded, gray guest chairs showing signs of neglect and shift in your seat, struggling in vain to get comfortable. “I’m not sure what you mean,” you reply, frowning.
Kelly faces you with a strained expression. “I realize that you’ve been with the company for 15 years, but I’m afraid we’re going to have to let you go.”
